2018 Artists

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Drumming Village

Gerima Harvey

Gerima Harvey lives in a world where love reigns and where he hopes there is always an abundance of music lovers to collaborate with. He hears the beat of yonder drummers and possesses a unique gift of being able to gel with any art form and artist.

He has been channeling musical prowess since infancy. From plates, tin-cans and plastic containers, he now expresses his ideas and emotions through a variety of drums, other percussion instruments and vocals.

This dynamic soloist is a member of many musical relationships. In Canada he plays with Baro Dununba, a West African Drumming group, J Collective, Alysha Brilla, Ekhaya, Errol Blackwood and others. In Jamaica he’s jammed with Earl Chinna Smith, Fab 5, The Congos, Italee Watson, Tony Rebel and a few others.

He launched his first CD, hosted by Saikou Saho of African Drums and Art Crafts, in June 2015. From studio to stage, this magical musical genius inspires everyone, everywhere.

Raechele Lovell

Raechele Lovell is a dynamic performing artist with a passion for dance education. She currently works primarily as a dance instructor and choreographer at Star Performance Academy. While her focus is currently on being a Mom, she occasionally accepts professional contracts as a singer/dancer/actor in film, TV, theatre, and corporate/commercial events. Please contact Raechele via email at raechele@me.com for booking information. She aims to inspire youth to express themselves through the arts as a positive representation of who they are and who they can become, as well as to touch the lives of people from all walks of life and bring them together through artistic expression. Currently seeking collaborators, investors and opportunities to showcase choreography.

Shaka Zulu

Jeffrey Cummins (aka Shaka Zulu) was born in Barbados and spent 13 years living in Holland where he performed extensively all over Europe including countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France Belgium, Spain, Holland, Estonia and Italy. He was involved in many aspects of the entertainment industry including performing African dance, African drumming, fire shows, dance choreography, and costume design/creation. He now resides in K-W where he continues to perform African dance, African drumming, and Fire Shows at various festivals and for private parties. He also teaches group and private salsa lessons at the Flying Dog (Waterloo), The Guanaquita Restaurant (Kitchener) and his own studio (BlackJack Designs and Entertainment at 283 Duke St W, unit 338, blackjack66@msn.com). Jeffrey has a passion for entertainment and making people smile. You won`t want to miss his performance, especially his fire show. His fun and crazy interactive style will keep you entertained and amazed.

Steelpan Yard

Acoustic Steel

Acoustic Steel is a four member steel band. The musicians are Carol Taylor on first pan (melody); Cheryl Dietrich on double seconds (harmony); Rob Hartung on cello (bass), and Dick Smith, arranger, percussionist and vocalist. The band started playing together two years ago and plays a diverse selection of songs suited to the unique sound of the pan and rhythms of the Caribbean. Carol, Cheryl and Rob were originally introduced to the steel pan by Joe Lovell of Traces Steelband.

Main Stage

Saturday, August 25

Sunday, August 26

My name is Clement JuliousUgudo, AKA Commando. I was born on January 1, 1981 in Wau, South Sudan. In 1983 a war broke out in Sudan. Since that time, we were always in constant fear and running to the forests for our safety from being killed by rebels, or the Government fighters. Therefore, we moved to a village, and moved back to Wau. In 1998, Wau was attacked from Sudanese occupation force and burned down the city. During that time I was just a boy playing outside in a field with other children when we heard the rockets attack. We tried to run home, but people were running in one direction. Consequently, we ran straight to bushes and we could not stop we continue running through the bushes until we met an old man who told us not to go back to the city because we can get killed or you will be forced to become a soldier. So he told us run through the bushes until you find a safe city. We did not have any other alternatives rather than running through jungles, fields, rivers and we almost starved to death. That journey took us three months to reach Kenyan border. Therefore, we were rescued by United Nations at Lokishoki Kenya and Sudan border. We got registered and we waited there for three weeks. Eventually we were transferred to Kakuma Camp. In 2001, I came to Canada and I was taken to Calgary, AB. In Alberta I started working and schooling. In 2009 I managed to go to studio to record my first song. My music is mostly about my life’s story. In addition, music is my talent and the tool that I am using to put my message out there. Since I moved to Kitchener in 2012, I connected with the Southern Sudanese Community here and now I am able to establish myself as a musician in the community. I am now working on an Album to be released. I have been working with the youth in the community helping them participate in community activities. I am working with them to use my music to tell my story and create a sense of belonging for those who feel isolated. You can check me out on youtube by “Commando Ugudo”, Facebook Is “Young Commando”.

The sound of eKhaya is a merging of music from far and near, the sounds of many nations, a true musical tapestry of: Reggae, Afro-beat, Rock, Jit and Chimurenga. It is both old and new, and invites you to find your own rhythm and dance. Forever spotting a wide smile, the charismatic entertainer declares “I entertain myself every time I walk on stage…Everybody else is welcome to join me for the fun ride…that is the eKhaya style”, and what a ride. Throughout Ontario and beyond, as far away as Zimbabwe, Africa his native land, audiences are captivated by the warm engaging stage presence and a charismatic music style urging them to their feet, to shake loose and dance inhibitions away. Performances at Festivals such as KW Multicultural Fest, LINK Picnic Fest, Milton Street Fest and Island Soul @ the Harbour Front Center have garnered critical media and audience acclaim. Setting down a marker for more things to come, eKhaya has quickly climbed up the reggae /world beats charts in Southwestern Ontario to the number 1 spot, firmly establishing the eKhaya music style on an upwards trajectory.

EKhaya World Band

Gerima

Gerima Harvey brings over 30 years of musical genius to everywhere that needs his drumming magic. He’s a dynamic soloist, a member of a few bands and many musical relationships.

DJ’s Soundscape

Ndanga’s music is an interesting confluence of Zimbabwean old school folk sound and modernAfro pop. Ndanga morphs the 2 genres of music in a mesmerizing fashion. Born and raised inMasvingo, Zimbabwe, Ndanga sings and writes in his native Shona tongue. He is now based inToronto Canada, where he is hopping to take his sound to a higher level. Some of his songs arebouncy and melodious making you want to either dance or just nod your head to his catchysound. Some tracks are sober and laid back with an intention to provoke one’s thoughts onvarious subjects not often discussed in day to day talk. Ndanga is working on his second album“Izvozvo” to be released right around Christmas time. His debut album “Ikoko” has certainlymade its mark on the music scene. The album is available on iTunes, Amazon and many otherdigital retail outlets.

Saturday 6:10 pm – 6:25 pmSunday 5:30 pm – 5:45 pm

As the Hip-Hop culture continues to give birth to new talent, few have the capability to take control of the art and make it into something they can call their own.

Shaquille Campbell (born August 2nd 1994) Is a Canadian Hip-Hop/R&B artist and producer, better known by his stage name Keelo D’Ville. Keelo, was born and raised in Toronto Ontario. From a young age Keelo D’Ville has managed to hone his craft and develop his own unique sound. Starting out from the basement of his father’s home Kitchener, at the age of 13, Shaquille had managed to attract the attention of local producers Just Ideas aka productionsbyji of Cambridge, Ontario. Just Ideas, who have produced for artists like; Karl Wolf & Danny Fernandez have worked diligently beside the young artist in hope to better connect with the fans in their community through the various songs they have composed together. Their first track “Right Now” was recorded and mixed at Metalworks Institute of Sound where the lot was featured in a documentary “Now Or Never” by aspiring film director Nathan Peters of Sheridan college. Songs also produced by Just Ideas include; 20 minutes featuring Brenda Mullen which was shared on Chris Brown’s website Mechanically Dummy in an article written by journalist Dempz Carter. Keelo is a driven artist that won’t allow anything to alter who he is from his lyrics to his beats, this kid is raw talent.

After landing a TV spot in a “SunnyD Chillers” commercial in 2013 where he was featured as the prominent Rap Star of the commercial, Keelo continues his independent career and has accumulated numerous pieces of work, alongside Record Label Cash Money/Rich Gang. A/R and friend Ashton Adams who contacted Shaquille via Facebook mentioned how much he enjoyed his music and what the 19 year old had created. Now 24 years old Shaquille is now focusing on an Independent path and has now started producing to continue holding his sound. The most recent work done by Keelo D’Ville has been his music video “The Drift” shot By Poplar Studios a local film production company directed by Stephen Orlowski, which is now available on all streaming platforms. “The Drift” is the very first professionally released project by the artist. Keelo is currently working on some new music he plans to release late Fall 2018.

Know Thyself

Saturday 2:30 PM – 2:45 PMSunday 1:30 PM- 1:45 PM

Safi Amani began her singing career at the age of 12 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She fled herhome during the ethnic violence in DRC to Cape Town, South Africa in 2007, where she continued hersinging at church amongst fellow refugees.The power of the gospel influenced Safi’s music and in 2015 Safi released her first CD, Yesu Ni Bwana WaMabwana (Swahili for ‘Jesus is the Lord of Lords’).Now residing in Kitchener Waterloo, Safi has been able to continue to share her love of gospel and thehappiness that it brings to her heart will find its way to yours.To contact Safi for bookings please email her at safiamani17@gmail.com

Acoustic Steel is a four member steel band. The musicians are Carol Taylor on first pan (melody); Cheryl Dietrich on double seconds (harmony); Rob Hartung on cello (bass), and Dick Smith, arranger, percussionist and vocalist. The band started playing together two years ago and plays a diverse selection of songs suited to the unique sound of the pan and rhythms of the Caribbean. Carol, Cheryl and Rob were originally introduced to the steel pan by Joe Lovell of Traces Steelband.

My name is Clement Julious Ugudo, AKA Commando. I was born on January 1, 1981 in Wau, South Sudan. In 1983 a war broke out in Sudan. Since that time, we were always in constant fear and running to the forests for our safety from being killed by rebels, or the Government fighters. Therefore, we moved to a village, and moved back to Wau. In 1998, Wau was attacked from Sudanese occupation force and burned down the city. During that time I was just a boy playing outside in a field with other children when we heard the rockets attack. We tried to run home, but people were running in one direction. Consequently, we ran straight to bushes and we could not stop we continue running through the bushes until we met an old man who told us not to go back to the city because we can get killed or you will be forced to become a soldier. So he told us run through the bushes until you find a safe city. We did not have any other alternatives rather than running through jungles, fields, rivers and we almost starved to death. That journey took us three months to reach Kenyan border. Therefore, we were rescued by United Nations at Lokishoki Kenya and Sudan border. We got registered and we waited there for three weeks. Eventually we were transferred to Kakuma Camp. In 2001, I came to Canada and I was taken to Calgary, AB. In Alberta I started working and schooling. In 2009 I managed to go to studio to record my first song. My music is mostly about my life’s story. In addition, music is my talent and the tool that I am using to put my message out there. Since I moved to Kitchener in 2012, I connected with the Southern Sudanese Community here and now I am able to establish myself as a musician in the community. I am now working on an Album to be released. I have been working with the youth in the community helping them participate in community activities. I am working with them to use my music to tell my story and create a sense of belonging for those who feel isolated. You can check me out on youtube by “Commando Ugudo”, Facebook Is “Young Commando”.

Errol Blackwood Injahband

SINGER, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN In 1988, Errol started a band named Injah, playing several clubs and concerts touring across Canada and the USA.

FOCUS Magazine (Toronto) – had this to say about Errol:

The Skipah is a product of the courageous Maroons. He is a serious Rastaman. Errol’s faith is the driving force in his life. It characterizes his being. With his sporting majestic dreadlocks, he pens plays and sings out his hunger for Justice and Equal Rights. He is certainly one of the hardest working entertainers in Canada today.

The Kitchener Record Newspaper (SHOWCASE) – had this to say:

Errol has a voice full of richness and is a masterful bass player. Errol sings of struggle, love and life, all with the same positive feeling. Not only does he write excellent songs, but he has also masterminded video renditions of his material. A performance by Errol and his band Injah transcends mere playing, taking you on an appealing versatile and spiritual trip through the heartbeat of reggae.

Straight from the motherland, Ugandan-bornMubarack Mbulahinyindi started his journey at a young age and has been dedicated to it ever since. By participating in many different groups, his skills in music became prominent the more he was taught and the more he practiced. Mubarack’s talents are not limited to singing, drumming and dancing, he can also choreograph.

The passion in his craft is real. Music is a strong influencer in his very being. It creates a sense of calmness in the mind and soul, a feeling he hopes he can share with everyone else.

Also being an educator, his students are also a very important aspect of his life. When training, focusing on the person is very important in order to help them reach their full potential.

As Mubarack graces the stage today, we hope that we can share the peace that music has brought into his life and we hope you catch aglimpse of what Ugandan culture brings to the table.

Ndanga’s music is an interesting confluence of Zimbabwean old school folk sound and modernAfro pop. Ndanga morphs the 2 genres of music in a mesmerizing fashion. Born and raised inMasvingo, Zimbabwe, Ndanga sings and writes in his native Shona tongue. He is now based inToronto Canada, where he is hopping to take his sound to a higher level. Some of his songs arebouncy and melodious making you want to either dance or just nod your head to his catchysound. Some tracks are sober and laid back with an intention to provoke one’s thoughts onvarious subjects not often discussed in day to day talk. Ndanga is working on his second album“Izvozvo” to be released right around Christmas time. His debut album “Ikoko” has certainlymade its mark on the music scene. The album is available on iTunes, Amazon and many otherdigital retail outlets.

Saturday 6:10 pm – 6:25 pmSunday 5:30 pm – 5:45 pm

As the Hip-Hop culture continues to give birth to new talent, few have the capability to take control of the art and make it into something they can call their own.

Shaquille Campbell (born August 2nd 1994) Is a Canadian Hip-Hop/R&B artist and producer, better known by his stage name Keelo D’Ville. Keelo, was born and raised in Toronto Ontario. From a young age Keelo D’Ville has managed to hone his craft and develop his own unique sound. Starting out from the basement of his father’s home Kitchener, at the age of 13, Shaquille had managed to attract the attention of local producers Just Ideas aka productionsbyji of Cambridge, Ontario. Just Ideas, who have produced for artists like; Karl Wolf & Danny Fernandez have worked diligently beside the young artist in hope to better connect with the fans in their community through the various songs they have composed together. Their first track “Right Now” was recorded and mixed at Metalworks institute of Sound where the lot was featured in a documentary “Now Or Never” by aspiring film director Nathan Peters of Sheridan college. Songs also produced by Just Ideas include; 20 minutes featuring Brenda Mullen which was shared on Chris Brown’s website Mechanically Dummy in an article written by journalist Dempz Carter. Keelo is a driven artist that won’t allow anything to alter who he is from his lyrics to his beats, this kid is raw talent.

After landing a TV spot in a “SunnyD Chillers” commercial in 2013 where he was featured as the prominent Rap Star of the commercial, Keelo continues his independent career and has accumulated numerous pieces of work, alongside Record Label Cash Money/Rich Gang. A/R and friend Ashton Adams who contacted Shaquille via Facebook mentioned how much he enjoyed his music and what the 19 year old had created. Now 24 years old Shaquille is now focusing on an Independent path and has now started producing to continue holding his sound. The most recent work done by Keelo D’Ville has been his music video “The Drift” shot By Poplar Studios a local film production company directed by Stephen Orlowski, which is now available on all streaming platforms. “The Drift” is the very first professionally released project by the artist. Keelo is currently working on some new music he plans to release late Fall 2018.

Know Thyself

Saturday 2:30 pm – 2:45 pmSunday 1:30 pm – 1:45 pm

Children’s Village

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Joga United

Soccer Demonstration

Joga teaches values and leadership through music and soccer. Joga is a two-time Canadian National soccer champion, motivational speaker, singer, songwriter, and music producer.

For information regarding bookings, album purchases, production, or future projects such as Joga’s Producer Challenge please email us @info@jogaunited.com.